One-Slide Mailers — Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC), Natural, 50/Bag (240-3071-080)
These Caplugs® Evergreen one-slide mailers are molded from Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) to protect and transport a single standard 25 × 75 × 1 mm microscope slide through postal, courier, and cold-chain distribution workflows. The PPC construction provides superior low-temperature structural integrity compared to standard PP, keeping the friction-fit snap-close lid intact after repeated −20°C storage cycles — a critical advantage for immunofluorescence frozen sections and cold-chain cytology programs. Supplied non-sterile in 50/Bag, part number 240-3071-080 is the cold-storage-capable upgrade from the standard PP variant in this product line.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 240-3071-080 |
| Product Type | One-Slide Mailer |
| Slide Capacity | 1 standard microscope slide |
| Slide Dimensions (standard format) | 25 × 75 × 1 mm |
| Material | Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) |
| Color | Natural (semi-translucent) |
| Closure | Friction-fit snap-close lid |
| Cold Storage Suitability | −20°C and below |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Pack Size | 50/Bag |
| BPA / Phthalates | BPA-free; no phthalate plasticizers |
| Country of Origin | USA (California) |
Applications
- Histopathology consultation: Safe transport of H&E, special stain, and IHC slides; PPC tolerates incidental xylene contact during coverslipping and loading
- Cytology and Pap transport: Cervical cytology, sputum, and BAL slides benefit from PPC's low-temperature stability for cold-chain distribution programs
- Immunofluorescence (IF): Slides for kidney, skin, and direct-IF frozen sections can be loaded and the mailer returned to −20°C storage before shipping without lid cracking or closure failure
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) preparation: Improved DMSO tolerance compared to standard PP supports IHC slide preparation workflows
- Forensic pathology: Outer surface accepts permanent marker, adhesive labels, and barcode stickers for chain-of-custody identification of autopsy and evidence slides
- Research specimen sharing: Durable PPC shell resists transit compression for FISH, ISH, and other special-technique slides
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers / saline | Excellent |
| Dilute acids and bases | Excellent |
| Ethanol (<70%) | Good — short-term contact |
| Xylene (incidental contact) | Good — brief/incidental contact during coverslipping; prolonged immersion not recommended |
| DMSO | Better tolerance than standard PP — verify for extended contact |
| Acetone / chlorinated solvents | Not recommended |
| −20°C storage | Suitable — PPC retains lid and closure integrity at frozen temperatures |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA (California), these Caplugs® Evergreen slide mailers are manufactured from BPA-free, phthalate-free PPC resin. The semi-translucent natural finish allows visual confirmation of slide presence and orientation without opening the mailer, reducing handling errors in high-volume pathology and consultation workflows. LabSupplies.com is an authorized dealer and ships from USA inventory; tiered pricing is available for hospital systems, reference laboratories, and research institutions with recurring volume requirements. The standard PP variant (240-3071-030), a two-slide PP mailer (240-3072-030), and a multi-slide PP mailer (240-3074-030) are also available for applications that do not require cold-chain storage compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the PPC mailer over the standard PP version?
The PPC construction in these mailers maintains structural integrity and a secure snap-close lid at −20°C and below, whereas standard PP can become brittle and prone to lid cracking at frozen temperatures. If your workflow involves loading a slide and returning the closed mailer to frozen storage before shipment — common in immunofluorescence and cold-chain cytology programs — the PPC version is the appropriate choice.
Will these mailers fit all standard microscope slides?
Yes. The mailers are designed for standard 25 × 75 × 1 mm microscope slides, which is the format used by the vast majority of histology, cytology, and research laboratories. Non-standard or unusually thick slides should be measured before ordering.
Are these slide mailers sterile?
No — they are supplied non-sterile. For most slide transport and mailing applications in histopathology, cytology, and research, non-sterile mailers are entirely appropriate, as the slides themselves are typically fixed or otherwise processed before packaging.
Can I label the outside of the mailer for chain-of-custody tracking?
Yes. The outer surface accepts permanent marker, adhesive labels, and barcode stickers, making these mailers suitable for chain-of-custody identification in clinical consultation, forensic pathology, and regulated research workflows.